User Tag List

Reply
 
Thread Tools Rate Thread Display Modes
Old 07-18-2020, 08:02 PM #1
Traveler74 Traveler74 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Mexico
Posts: 216
Traveler74 is on a distinguished road
Traveler74 Traveler74 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Mexico
Posts: 216
Traveler74 is on a distinguished road
Proper oil level ??

MY 1996 T4R is new to me. I have no history on it.
2 weeks ago the T4r broke down on me (electrical failure). I had the battery recharged and I managed to limp home. But on the way, I noticed the oil light came on. Thinking that I also had an oil problem, I added 2 more cups of oil. The oil light stayed on BUT ONLY in idle. At slow city speed the oil level light turned OFF.

The other day, while working on the vehicle, I checked the oil level (engine off and on a level surface.) It was about 3/4 inch above the highest mark on the dip stick

I have read that an over filled oil level can damage the T4R.
Should I drain some out OR leave it alone ?
Traveler74 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 07-18-2020, 08:36 PM #2
Kanoe's Avatar
Kanoe Kanoe is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Yukon
Posts: 1,317
Kanoe is just really nice Kanoe is just really nice Kanoe is just really nice Kanoe is just really nice
Kanoe Kanoe is offline
Senior Member
Kanoe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Yukon
Posts: 1,317
Kanoe is just really nice Kanoe is just really nice Kanoe is just really nice Kanoe is just really nice
I’d get it in the proper range myself. That’s quite a bit over.

FYI- the light is an oil PRESSURE light. It does not indicate levels. If it’s coming on at idle then you have low idle oil pressure. A 20$ harbour freight oil pressure gauge will tell you what is going on.
__________________
-1996 4Runner. 3RZ 5-Spd. 4x4 Base model. OME2906/Toyota OEM rears with 2004 Tacoma Dual Rate Fronts on Bilstien 4600s.
-1993 Corolla Wagon 7AFE
-2001 Echo D.D.
Kanoe is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 07-18-2020, 09:22 PM #3
96RedRunner's Avatar
96RedRunner 96RedRunner is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: MS
Posts: 2,488
Real Name: Mark
96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all
96RedRunner 96RedRunner is offline
Senior Member
96RedRunner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: MS
Posts: 2,488
Real Name: Mark
96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all
Could be sender acting funky, or engine, is not good having light on off idle. Worth it to start digging.
96RedRunner is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 07-18-2020, 09:38 PM #4
Traveler74 Traveler74 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Mexico
Posts: 216
Traveler74 is on a distinguished road
Traveler74 Traveler74 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Mexico
Posts: 216
Traveler74 is on a distinguished road
Quote:
Originally Posted by 96RedRunner View Post
Could be sender acting funky, or engine, is not good having light on off idle. Worth it to start digging.
Do you mean oil pressure sender unit ?
Traveler74 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 07-18-2020, 09:48 PM #5
96RedRunner's Avatar
96RedRunner 96RedRunner is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: MS
Posts: 2,488
Real Name: Mark
96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all
96RedRunner 96RedRunner is offline
Senior Member
96RedRunner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: MS
Posts: 2,488
Real Name: Mark
96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all
Quote:
Originally Posted by Traveler74 View Post
Do you mean oil pressure sender unit ?
Yes, V6 has it on oil filter level forward of filter, wire going to it hard to miss.
96RedRunner is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 07-18-2020, 10:15 PM #6
Sarki Sarki is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: New York-Lower Hudson Valley
Posts: 493
Sarki has a spectacular aura about Sarki has a spectacular aura about
Sarki Sarki is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: New York-Lower Hudson Valley
Posts: 493
Sarki has a spectacular aura about Sarki has a spectacular aura about
As far as overfill of the crankcase, easy enough to unscrew drain plug, count to three and reinsert.
Check level, repeat if necessary.
Hopefully you have a faulty oil pressure sending unit which is easily replaceable with a $20 purchase at Auto Zone/Advanced Auto or double/triple that through your favorite Toyota online parts source.
The alternative may be a failing oil pump which isn’t a pleasant experience.
__________________
2002 SR5 Sport 4WD
Sarki is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 07-18-2020, 10:24 PM #7
Kanoe's Avatar
Kanoe Kanoe is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Yukon
Posts: 1,317
Kanoe is just really nice Kanoe is just really nice Kanoe is just really nice Kanoe is just really nice
Kanoe Kanoe is offline
Senior Member
Kanoe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Yukon
Posts: 1,317
Kanoe is just really nice Kanoe is just really nice Kanoe is just really nice Kanoe is just really nice
So if you are going to replace the sender(which is an easy place to start) have the gauge on hand. It screws into the sender port and you start the engine and presto you know the answer and no more guess work is required.

It’s good practice to troubleshoot problems and you gain experience in the process. It’ll also give you some idea of the health of your engine.
__________________
-1996 4Runner. 3RZ 5-Spd. 4x4 Base model. OME2906/Toyota OEM rears with 2004 Tacoma Dual Rate Fronts on Bilstien 4600s.
-1993 Corolla Wagon 7AFE
-2001 Echo D.D.
Kanoe is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 07-18-2020, 10:55 PM #8
96RedRunner's Avatar
96RedRunner 96RedRunner is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: MS
Posts: 2,488
Real Name: Mark
96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all
96RedRunner 96RedRunner is offline
Senior Member
96RedRunner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: MS
Posts: 2,488
Real Name: Mark
96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kanoe View Post
So if you are going to replace the sender(which is an easy place to start) have the gauge on hand. It screws into the sender port
Finding guage correct threads problem or not ? haven't bought one in ages.
96RedRunner is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 07-19-2020, 12:00 AM #9
Traveler74 Traveler74 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Mexico
Posts: 216
Traveler74 is on a distinguished road
Traveler74 Traveler74 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Mexico
Posts: 216
Traveler74 is on a distinguished road
Thank you everyone for your kind, knowledgeable posts.
Traveler74 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 07-19-2020, 12:01 AM #10
Kanoe's Avatar
Kanoe Kanoe is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Yukon
Posts: 1,317
Kanoe is just really nice Kanoe is just really nice Kanoe is just really nice Kanoe is just really nice
Kanoe Kanoe is offline
Senior Member
Kanoe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Yukon
Posts: 1,317
Kanoe is just really nice Kanoe is just really nice Kanoe is just really nice Kanoe is just really nice
Right you are. The harbour freight one does not have the correct adapter. It has NPT rather than the needed BSPT but it is close enough to get a couple of turns in and get your reading. No wrench needed, just hand tight for a couple minutes test.
__________________
-1996 4Runner. 3RZ 5-Spd. 4x4 Base model. OME2906/Toyota OEM rears with 2004 Tacoma Dual Rate Fronts on Bilstien 4600s.
-1993 Corolla Wagon 7AFE
-2001 Echo D.D.

Last edited by Kanoe; 07-19-2020 at 12:02 AM. Reason: Punctuation
Kanoe is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 07-19-2020, 04:05 AM #11
Traveler74 Traveler74 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Mexico
Posts: 216
Traveler74 is on a distinguished road
Traveler74 Traveler74 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Mexico
Posts: 216
Traveler74 is on a distinguished road
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kanoe View Post
I’d get it in the proper range myself. That’s quite a bit over.

FYI- the light is an oil PRESSURE light. It does not indicate levels. If it’s coming on at idle then you have low idle oil pressure. A 20$ harbour freight oil pressure gauge will tell you what is going on.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 96RedRunner View Post
Could be sender acting funky, or engine, is not good having light on off idle. Worth it to start digging.

One thing I'm not at all clear on. You guys know a hell of a lot more than me , but it doesn't make sense to me for the oil light to come on ONLY IN IDLE. I was sitting at a stop light, and the oil light was on, however as soon as I stepped on the gas, the oil light went out. Plenty of oil. In fact overfilled a bit.

If the problem is a clogged oil pump filter, wouldn't it be still clogged at higher RPMS ?
If the sending unit is bad, wouldn't it be still bad at higher RPM's ?
if the oil pump itself is bad or failing, wouldn't it still be failing at higher RPM's ?

Seeing as I was having major electrical problems (the alternator or some relay had failed), might that possibly be a factor ?

PPS: I had just changed the oil and filter the day before using 10W-40. (to help get passed the California smog test) and a filter from Auto zone. Maybe the wrong filter ? possible ?

Please school me.

,

Last edited by Traveler74; 07-19-2020 at 04:45 AM.
Traveler74 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 07-19-2020, 10:24 AM #12
Kanoe's Avatar
Kanoe Kanoe is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Yukon
Posts: 1,317
Kanoe is just really nice Kanoe is just really nice Kanoe is just really nice Kanoe is just really nice
Kanoe Kanoe is offline
Senior Member
Kanoe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Yukon
Posts: 1,317
Kanoe is just really nice Kanoe is just really nice Kanoe is just really nice Kanoe is just really nice
The oil change is interesting. I’d get a Toyota filter and some good 5w30 in there, probably not a coincidence.

The oil pressure light tends to come on at idle since that’s when Oil pressure is Lowest. Pressure builds quickly as rpms rise.

The psi that makes the pressure sender trip is around 4 to 5 psi so when you see the light on you have VERY low oil pressure. You should get this solved before you drive your truck further.

I don’t think i have ever heard of anyone on this forum having a bad sender. Could happen I guess but I’ve never heard of it. They do tend to get leaky and need replacing though. I wouldn’t bet on your issue being a bad sender without checking oil pressure first.

Oil pressure has little to do with oil level. Your oil pressure should remain the same until oil level gets low enough for the pump to starve for oil. The light is not an indication of oil level.
__________________
-1996 4Runner. 3RZ 5-Spd. 4x4 Base model. OME2906/Toyota OEM rears with 2004 Tacoma Dual Rate Fronts on Bilstien 4600s.
-1993 Corolla Wagon 7AFE
-2001 Echo D.D.

Last edited by Kanoe; 07-19-2020 at 10:29 AM.
Kanoe is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 07-19-2020, 10:36 AM #13
Twisted Sid's Avatar
Twisted Sid Twisted Sid is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: High desert, CA
Posts: 478
Twisted Sid has a spectacular aura about Twisted Sid has a spectacular aura about Twisted Sid has a spectacular aura about
Twisted Sid Twisted Sid is offline
Member
Twisted Sid's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: High desert, CA
Posts: 478
Twisted Sid has a spectacular aura about Twisted Sid has a spectacular aura about Twisted Sid has a spectacular aura about
You said you were limping it home, how bad was it running?
On vehicles I've owned and worked on in the past, when a engine is struggling to idle and its below 500 or so rpm, sometimes the oil and battery light will come on because there isnt enough rpm for the oil pump to make pressure and the alternator to charge.
__________________
'99 4Runner SR5: 5VZ, 2wd, AT, 400k+ club

'94 Pickup: 2wd, 22RE, 5spd, (3RZ swap in progress)
Front: Total Chaos Uniball Kit, Fox 2.5 8'' coilover
Rear: Deaver F67 Leaf Springs, Fox 2.0 14'' Reservoir Shocks, E-locker Axle 4.88 Gears 33x10.5 BFG ATs
Twisted Sid is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 07-19-2020, 11:32 AM #14
19963.4lsr5 19963.4lsr5 is offline
Elite Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Stouchsburg PA
Posts: 5,304
19963.4lsr5 is a splendid one to behold 19963.4lsr5 is a splendid one to behold 19963.4lsr5 is a splendid one to behold 19963.4lsr5 is a splendid one to behold 19963.4lsr5 is a splendid one to behold 19963.4lsr5 is a splendid one to behold 19963.4lsr5 is a splendid one to behold
19963.4lsr5 19963.4lsr5 is offline
Elite Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Stouchsburg PA
Posts: 5,304
19963.4lsr5 is a splendid one to behold 19963.4lsr5 is a splendid one to behold 19963.4lsr5 is a splendid one to behold 19963.4lsr5 is a splendid one to behold 19963.4lsr5 is a splendid one to behold 19963.4lsr5 is a splendid one to behold 19963.4lsr5 is a splendid one to behold
Too much oil will cause windage and put air bubbles in the oil.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
19963.4lsr5 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 07-19-2020, 02:29 PM #15
96RedRunner's Avatar
96RedRunner 96RedRunner is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: MS
Posts: 2,488
Real Name: Mark
96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all
96RedRunner 96RedRunner is offline
Senior Member
96RedRunner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: MS
Posts: 2,488
Real Name: Mark
96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all 96RedRunner is a name known to all
@Traveler74 , you didn't answer the question, What is engine rpm at idle.
you say oil light on in traffic, idle rpm's or higher. Two important things to check.
Did you pick filter or did parts guy/girl ? either could have picked incorrectly.
I use Toyota 90915-YZZD1 filter, 6 qt puts it on full mark of Rotella T4.
96RedRunner is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Reply

Tags
level , light , oil , surface , t4r

Thread Tools
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On

Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Level the frame/running boards or level wheel wells Powder_Hound 4th Gen T4Rs 3 04-24-2016 12:31 AM
proper way to check transmission fluid level needed kacper 4th Gen T4Rs 9 04-03-2015 01:09 AM
To level or not to level, that is the question Rifter 3rd gen T4Rs 6 03-13-2015 08:43 PM
Proper oil level when changed? T4R_Finally 3rd gen T4Rs 18 03-21-2012 10:10 AM
Oil Level - whats the right level? buch75 Maintenance/Detailing 2 08-25-2011 11:45 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.2

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:47 AM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Search Engine Optimisation provided by DragonByte SEO (Pro) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
Feedback Buttons provided by Advanced Post Thanks / Like (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
User Alert System provided by Advanced User Tagging (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
***This site is an unofficial Toyota site, and is not officially endorsed, supported, authorized by or affiliated with Toyota. All company, product, or service names references in this web site are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners. The Toyota name, marks, designs and logos, as well as Toyota model names, are registered trademarks of Toyota Motor Corporation***Ad Management plugin by RedTyger
 
Copyright © 2020